John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the guidelines or procedures his Department has in place in each health board area to manage all payments, including disability allowance and old age pension to patients in psychiatric hospitals and other institutions operated or managed by health boards; if all those in this type of care are entitled to benefit; the number of health boards who have already established written guidelines and if these guidelines have been explained to patients or their families; the deductions made from the benefit paid to patients and how the balance is managed; if he will end the policy of some health boards who use part of the balance left to patients to furnish their rooms; if he will ensure that each health board has a system in place which is transparent and accountable and protects the right of the patient and the integrity of the staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4640/04]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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As outlined in my reply to the parliamentary question asked by the Deputy on 18 December 2003, my Department has requested information in this matter from the health boards. I am advised that much of the information in this regard has been submitted to the Department and it expects to be in a position to issue a detailed response to the Deputy in the near future.